Neymar has come under renewed criticism in Brazil after being seen playing high‐stakes poker in Las Vegas and at a domestic poker series shortly after the national team’s shock early exit from the 2026 World Cup.
The 34‐year‐old forward, who captained Brazil at the tournament, was pictured at a major poker event in the United States just days after the Selecao were knocked out in the last 16 by Norway, losing 2-1.
His presence at the card table has triggered a storm of reaction on Brazilian social media, where many fans questioned the optics of their captain appearing at leisure events so soon after a deeply disappointing World Cup campaign.
World Cup exit followed by Las Vegas trip
Brazil’s 2026 World Cup journey ended far earlier than expected, with the five-time champions eliminated in the first knockout round. The defeat to Norway was widely regarded in the Brazilian press as one of the country’s most underwhelming World Cup performances in recent decades.
Within days of that loss, Neymar surprised supporters and pundits by turning up in Las Vegas to take part in a high‐profile poker tournament.
Images and videos of the forward at the tables quickly circulated online, sparking criticism from some fans who felt the timing was insensitive given the national mood after the World Cup exit.
Others, however, defended the player’s right to spend his time off as he wishes, arguing that players cannot be expected to remain in mourning indefinitely after a sporting defeat.
Skips Santos trip, joins Brazilian poker series
The issue has resurfaced after Neymar again chose the poker table over football-related commitments, this time at club level.
According to Brazilian outlet Globo, Neymar did not travel with Santos to Venezuela for their Copa Sudamericana qualifying match against Universidad Central in the opening round of the competition.
The Santos coaching staff are reported to have deliberately rested the forward, opting not to include him in the travelling squad.
Instead, Neymar was seen attending the fourth stage of the Brazilian Poker Series alongside friends, Globo said.
His decision to take in the event while his team-mates were abroad on continental duty added fuel to the debate about his priorities at this stage of his career.
ESPN: Neymar won BRL 53,500 at the tables
Brazilian network ESPN reported that in 2025, Neymar won 53,500 Brazilian reais (around £7,500) from his participation in a poker tournament.
The current stage of the Brazilian Poker Series, in which he has been spotted, runs until 30 July. ESPN added that he is expected to appear again at the tables in the coming days.
Neymar has long been open about his passion for poker, frequently sharing images from tournaments and home games on his social media accounts. He has also previously taken part in international poker events during off‐season breaks.
Divided reaction over captain’s image
Neymar’s latest appearances have reignited broader arguments in Brazil about player behaviour and public image, particularly for someone who has captained the national side.
On social platforms, some supporters described the poker outings as a “stark contradiction” to the sense of national disappointment following the World Cup elimination, while others insisted he was entitled to disconnect from football pressures during a scheduled rest.
Neither Neymar nor Santos have publicly commented on the criticism surrounding his involvement in the poker events.
With Brazil still processing its early departure from the 2026 tournament and Santos navigating a crucial phase of their continental campaign, the forward’s off‐field choices look set to remain under close scrutiny.
